State-level Conference on Genetic Engineering, Farming & Food
Saturday, November 7, 2009
The Institution of Engineers (India), Mysore Local Centre, J.L.B.Road, Mysore-570005
Sponsors:
The Institution of Engineers (India), Mysore Local Centre, Mysore
Mysore Grahakara Parishat, Mysore
Deccan Development Society, Hyderabad
Media have been reporting that genetically engineered (GE) Brinjal (Bt-Brinjal) is to be the first human food item to be introduced into the market in India, following field trials. This has raised discussions regarding aspects of its necessity and safety, and the issue of enabling the consumer to exercise the right not to buy the GE product. The effect on the farming community who may choose to grow GE-Brinjal and other GE crops, as well as on farmers who do not so choose is also being discussed; there are many who argue against introduction of GE products especially in food.
It is well known that several countries, especially in Europe, are not allowing GE crops and products into their countries for reasons of safety and genetic contamination, even in the face of possible trade sanctions. This raises doubts as to the desirability and safety of GE products.
There are fears and anxieties about cultivation and consumption of GE crops and products among a wide cross section of people, both urban and rural. At the same time, the biotechnology industry and promoters of GE crops and products as well as government regulatory agencies are issuing assurances about the safety, even the desirability, of introduction of GE-Brinjal and many other food and non-food crops that are currently undergoing field trials all over India, claiming that GE is necessary for food security. In the meanwhile, GE products are entering the food chain.
In order to help the public to get a perspective on the issue, the One-Day Conference will provide a platform for the biotechnology industry to state its case, and experts from the field to place their scientific arguments regarding the facts about GE in general and its effects on biodiversity, the environment, and human health and safety aspects.
The Conference will be arranged in three Technical Sessions, each Session with two speakers, one from the biotechnology industry or promoters of GE, and one from an expert opposing GE, with time for audience participation in each Session.
PROGRAM
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Coffee 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Inaugural Session 11:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
KEY NOTE ADDRESS: Dr.Michel Pimbert; Director, International Institute for Environment & Development, U.K.; Formerly Principal Entomologist, ICRISAT
Technical Session-1 12:00 Noon – 1:15 PM
BIOTECHNOLOGY INDUSTRY – Technical, legal and regulatory issues
Speaker 1: Dr.T.M.Manjunath, ConsultantAgri-Biotechnology & Integrated Pest Management, Bangalore
Speaker 2: Ms.Aruna Rodrigues, Lead Petitioner in PIL against GM Foods in Supreme Court of India, Sunray Harvesters, Mhow, Madhya Pradesh
Lunch Break 1:15 PM – 2:00 PM
Technical Session-2 2:00 PM – 3:15 PM
FARMING – Problems and perspectives
Speaker 1: Dr.C.Aswath, Head, Biotechnology Division, IIHR, Bangalore
Speaker 2: Dr.P.V.Satheesh, Food & Farming Activist
Technical Session-3 3:15 PM – 4:30 PM
FOOD & THE CONSUMER – Health, safety and ethical issues
Speaker 1: Dr.H.S.Shekar Shetty, Professor Emeritus, Dept of Biotechnology, University of Mysore, and Principal Investigator ICAR
Speaker 2: Dr.V.S.Vijayan, Chairman, Kerala Biodiversity Board
Concluding Session 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Speaker 1: Mr.H.L.Satheesh
Speaker 2: Mr.U.N.Ravikumar
Tea 5:30 PM – 6:00 PM